Manipur’s Yumnam ajudged best NDA cadet

Khadakwasla (Maharashtra): What set Manipur’s Romen Yumnam apart from the 286 gentlemen cadets who were commissioned as armed forces’ officers at the passing out parade at the National Defence Academy here on Saturday was the fact that he was the first from the northeastern state to be awarded the President’s Gold Medal for merit in academics and sports.

Not only that – this champion NDA boxer was also the first from the region to command a passing out parade. A recipient of the Best Army Cadet medal, Yumnam and six other Manipuris of the 114th course are the only ones from the state to be commissioned as officers in the armed forces. Seven others from the state are also enrolled in the academy.

‘There have been recruits (soldiers) from the region, but I am the first commissioned officer from my village. It feels good when the people look up to you as role model,’ said Yumnam as his proud parents looked on. He belongs to Langmeidong village in Manipur, a state plagued by insurgency

His parents could not speak Hindi or English. But their happiness was evident in smile on their faces and the glint in their eyes.  ‘My father is a farmer and it was due to his him that I am where I am. Notwithstanding our modest means, he sent me to a residential school in Imphal and then to the Sainik School in Imphal,’ said Yumnam, who is the eldest of three brothers.

Buddha wants Darjeeling bill to be put on hold

NEW DELHI: Even as CPM’s central committee sought a serious review of West Bengal’s industrialisation policy, chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya met home minister Shivraj Patil on Friday and demanded that the proposed legislation to grant Sixth Schedule status to the Darjeeling Hill Council should be put on hold for some time.

Less than six months back, Bhattacharya had demanded early passage of the Bill and even knocked on the doors of BJP leader L K Advani seeking his cooperation in its passage. Though the CM said the decision to put the legislation on hold has been made due to the demand of many organisations like the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), insiders view it in the light of the party’s fast depleting base in the hills.

A nation in a hurry

By Manjushree Thapa

The fight that began in October 2002, when Gyanendra Shah first began to dismantle Nepal’s democracy, ended on May 28, 2008, with a resounding defeat for him, his successors, and his predecessors, as Nepal declared itself a republic. The declaration came late at night, after protracted bickering between the Maoists and the Nepali Congress, bickering that set the tone for what lies ahead. The declaration came too late for the street celebrations that had been planned all day, and for the parties that had been organised in people’s homes. But a three-day holiday was called, and Nepalis have been using this time to test the feel of liberation. Then it will be back to work. [Insets: Prachanda. Photo: The Guardian]

Nepal is a country in a hurry. It is the oldest nation state in South Asia, founded in 1768, when King Prithvi Narayan Shah of Gorkha defeated scores of small kingdoms in the Himalayan foothills, culminating in the victory over the three kingdoms of Nepal valley (as Kathmandu was called). Eighty years on, a mad Shah king signed away all his powers to his own prime minister, Jung Bahadur Kunwar Rana, who promptly instated a homemade system of rule by hereditary prime ministers. The Shah dynasty was able to recapture power from the Ranas in 1950 only by allying with Nepal’s first democracy movement. This did not keep Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah from effecting a royal coup, demolishing democracy, and setting himself up as an absolute ruler.

Nepal lost crucial decades because of this coup. In the ’60s and ’70s, when India, Pakistan and Bangladesh were establishing themselves, if turbulently, as republics, Nepal was suffering the resurgence of the Shah dynasty. Entire generations grew up having to study propaganda, being indoctrinated with gobbledygook during panchayat rule. The effect of that is still with us. We are just getting round to examining ourselves honestly, to understanding ourselves at last.

UN chief hails Nepalis on ‘’historic’’ CA meeting

United Nations: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has congratulated the people of Nepal on the ‘’historic’’ first meeting of the South Asian nation’s Constituent Assembly (CA). ‘’The people of Nepal have clearly spoken for peace and change through the 10 April Assembly election,’’ Mr Ban said in a statement released by his spokesperson.

He encouraged all the parties to continue cooperating and to form a new government as soon as possible. More than 500 Assembly members took their seats, overwhelmingly voting 560 votes in favour to four against in support of a motion to amend the Interim Constitution, proclaiming Nepal a republic and formally ending the 240-year monarchy.

The inaugural session was headed by Kul Bahadur Gurung, the Assembly’s oldest member, while Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala addressed the body after a two-minute silence in remembrance of martyrs. Adding his congratulations to the Assembly was Ian Martin, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative to Nepal.

US to open dialogue with Nepal Maoists

Washington: In a major policy change, the Bush administration has begun dialogue with Nepal’s Communist Party(Maoists) but without removing the former militant outfit from the US terrorist list that bars its leaders from travelling to the United States. US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Evan Feigenbaum, during his recent visit to Kathmandu met country’s top Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) who is likely to head the new government. (Agencies)

NE States discuss education sector of the region – Meeting focus on the need to improve satndard of education

GANGTOK, May 30: A day-long meeting of the North East Education Ministers was held at Chintan Bhawan here today. The meeting, organised by the State Human Resource Development Department, was participated by all the HRDD ministers of the entire NE States. Addressing the press conference at the Chintan Bhawan today evening, Dr. R Lalthangliana, HRDD Minister for Mizoram said that the main objective behind organizing the meeting was to discuss the problems being faced by the NE States in the education sector.

The Minister also informed that elaborate discussions were held wherein crucial education issues such as special considerations for the NE States from the Central Government to improve and standardize education quality were discussed. Despite several bottlenecks, the education scenario in NE States is far better as compared to other States in India, Dr. Lalthangliana said.  “Since most of the NE States fall under the earthquake prone areas there are times when school buildings are cracked or damaged. Taking this in mind, we have made a special appeal with the Ministry to allow more construction of school buildings,” he said.

Kumar Subba performs at Paleti

Darjeeling (India) based veteran singer of Nepali modern songs Kumar Subba made the Paleti concert memorable at nepalaya’s ‘r’ sala Friday.

Subba, a close friend of late Gopal Yonjan rendered unheard compositions from his collection, which was the major attraction of Paleti this time. His voice continued to be with same charm and quality he had four decades back.

Accompanied by Chandan Lomjel, Subba captivated the audience from the very first song, ‘Tara Haru Jhilmil Gardai’ followed by Ishwor Balav’s Pahad Ajhai Sukeko Chhaina, Gopal Yonjan’s Tara Jadeko Aakash, Birsiera Gae Pani, Tero Maya Ke Lagchha, Meri Rani, Aja Samma Jasari and Ankha Dekhi Chihai Rahen to name a few.

Kumar Subba added colour to the enchanting evening with other compositions by himself, Shanti Thatal, Dibya Khaling and Durga Kharel. Audience wanted to hear his four decades old classics like “Sarangi Ko Taar” and “Sambhal Pachheuree”, which the humble singer obliged with.

“I always enjoy singing in Nepal and hope I can again sing for you. Such an audience is dream come true for any singer,” Subba said. nepalnews.com

A change is brewing as tea makes a return

By SARAH HOWDEN

IT wasn’t the coffee he had a problem with. In fact, as a barista working in one of the Capital’s most renowned coffee house chains, he was proud of the quality of the freshly ground coffee beans, understood the expertise in making the espresso-based drinks and accepted the associated cost. [Inset: SHALL I BE MOTHER? Drew Buchanan and Jamie Russell share a joke and a cuppa. Picture: ESME ALLEN]

But former Starbucks manager Drew Buchanan had a real issue with the tea.

“I felt that while the coffee was a decent product, £1.85 for a pint of water and a tea bag was ripping the p*** a wee bit,” explains the 30-year-old from Fettes. “I had been with Starbucks for nine or so years working as a manager in Princes Street and Forrest Road and I’d seen an rise in tea drinking, especially with students and younger people. Yet there was nothing decent out there for them. Just a tea bag.”

And so, over a few whiskies at a wedding last year Drew and friend Jamie Russell, 30, from Inverkeithing, hatched a plan. The result is the Tea Tree Tea shop.

It’s a real challenge to get proper teas on the high street – you can get a decent coffee, but when it comes to tea it’s a case of a tea bag in lots of water,” says business partner, Jamie. “In a country where tea is the first choice beverage of the majority of people, it doesn’t make sense.”

Tea Tree Tea opened on Bread Street just three weeks ago, offering over 40 freshly made tea leaf options, including exotic blends from China, Japan, Russia, India and South Africa along with traditional favourites such as Earl Grey, Darjeeling and Scottish breakfast tea.

With its combination of sofas, tables and chair, soft lighting and music, as well as free Wi-Fi, it’s reminiscent of Central Perk from the US sitcom Friends, and perhaps that’s their aim. But is there a place for a tea house in a market that seems all sewn up with the coffee bean?

“Definitely,” says Drew. “Think about it, before all these coffee houses existed people were happy drinking freeze dried coffee at home. All of a sudden everyone is drinking freshly made coffee and it’s now seen as a luxury product. So why can’t tea be the same? Why should we just settle with a tea bag? Why can’t it be fresh? It wasn’t that long ago that we were a nation of tea lovers. There’s no reason we can’t do back to that.”

Drew has a point. According to the Tea Council, tea has been a quintessentially British drink for over 350 years, first going on sale in 1657, marketed as a cure for catarrh, colic, drowsiness, lethargy and migraines. But it wasn’t long before it was famous for it’s taste – especially in the Capital.

Edinburgh had its very own tea company founded by Andrew Melrose in 1812. It started as a grocery shop in Canongate, but by 1833, Melrose’s of Scotland became the first company to legally land tea in Britain from China independently of the East Indies Trading Company, and had exclusive rights.

Today we collectively drink 165 million cups of tea a day, but with the proliferation of US-style coffee shops, drinking it outside of the home seems to have fallen out of favour. Drew says: “Walking about with a cup of coffee is now seen as a status symbol. If you look around the Capital you’ll see young girls carrying them about as if they’re accessories.”

Jamie is confident a backlash has started. “Tea is becoming extremely popular with the younger generation, and is now seen as a healthier alternative to the coffee bean. We’re getting a massive amount of students coming in choosing white tea and green tea, and they are actively looking for antioxidants.”

It makes sense. Teas and herbal infusions have been found to fight everything, from high blood pressure, cancer to a hangover. In fact, drinking three cups of tea a day has around the same antioxidant power as munching six apples.

“What we want to do is let people know that tea is good for you and it’s good quality,” stresses Drew. “It can be just as fulfilling as coffee too.”

According to Scottish psychologist, Cynthia McVey, exotic teas could well be the next big thing.

She says: “With all the health links, the fat and cost associated with these coffees, people are now coming back to tea, especially these exotic teas, and shops which serve it. We could easily revert to being a nation of tea lovers once more.”

• Tea Tree Tea, 13 Bread Street, 0131-228 3100

QUALITY CUPPAS

IN the Capital we’ve always loved a cup of char. In the 1950s a cuppa was an event, and the former Woolworths on Princes Street was famed for its tearoom.

But where can you go now for a quality cup?

• PekoeTea, Merchant Street and West Richmond Street: As the name suggests, it’s all about tea here with 82 blends on offer. Prices start at £2.

• The Elephant House, George IV Bridge: The gourmet tea house also stocks a wide selection of coffees, but ignore them and head straight for the tea selection, which includes options such as Assam, Ceylon, Keemum and Jasmine. Prices start at £2.50.

• The Balmoral Hotel, Princes Street: Think fine china, silver teapots and strainers, and white linen tablecloths. This is tea drinking as it’s best. They’ll throw in some freshly made shortbread too for around £4.

• Sherry’s, Morningside Road: Tea drinking here is something of an institution for Morningside ladies, and the quaint tearoom is a veteran of tea-making, having been open for some 20 years. Around £1.

• Last Updated: 31 May 2008 10:00 AM
• Source: Edinburgh Evening News
• Location: Edinburgh

DGHC Contract Employees mount pressure

Members of Gorkha Janmukti Temporary Workers Union march to the DGHC secretariat situated at Lal Kothi. Photo: Himalaya Darpan

CNC calls for ‘Bangalore Chalo’ on June 16

CNC demands Central legislation to protect the traditional land rights of Kodavas

Seeks special status for Kodagu on a par with Jammu and Kashmir

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Madikeri: The Codava National Council (CNC), which is demanding the creation of a ‘Codava Autonomous Region’ in the State, will organise ‘Bangalore Chalo’ from here on June 16. [Inset: Madikeri Town - Kodava.org]

CNC secretary-general N.U. Nachappa told presspersons here on Saturday that the CNC would also stage a satyagraha on Mahatma Gandhi Road in Bangalore to press for its demands.

Mr. Nachappa said the CNC would urge the Government to consider its demands.

The first was to take steps to create a Codava Autonomous Region (CAR) on the lines of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council. Forty-five ‘nads’ (groups of villages) inhabited by Kodavas in Kodagu in the past should be merged to carve out the CAR, he said.

Land rights

In view of the traditional land rights enjoyed by Kodavas, he said Central legislation should be enacted to protect their rights, including ‘jamma’, a form of land tenure. One of the demands of the CNC, Mr. Nachappa said, was that special status be accorded to Kodagu, similar to that of Jammu and Kashmir and the north-eastern States.

Reservations

Kodavas should be considered a minority tribal community for the purpose of extending reservation in all spheres. Buduru Srinivasulu, a member of the National Tribal Commission, had recommended minority tribal status for the Kodavas after his visit to Kodagu some time ago. The State Government should view this seriously, he said.

Including the Kodava language in the VIII Schedule of the Constitution and its introduction in all fields was on CNC’s list of demands. Mr. Nachappa urged the Government to allot land at what he called the ‘Kodava Kund’, near Napoklu, to establish a Kodava university. [The Hindu]

Also check out: www.kodava.org for more info on Kodavas

IBM Research to test waters – Minister says US computer giant keen on centre

Calcutta, May 31: IBM Research has shown interest in investing in Bengal, IT minister Debesh Das said today. [Inset: The Thomas J Watson Research Centre of IBM in New York]

The company is one of at least 14 US infotech firms that are expected to explore the state from June onwards.

“Officials at the Thomas J. Watson Research Centre of IBM Research have shown keenness to set up a research and development centre in the state. We are really excited,” Das said at the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce today.

IBM Research, established in 1961, has eight laboratories in six countries and has many Nobel laureates working on its projects. The Watson centre is IBM Research’s headquarters.

“During my visit to the US and the UK this month, I met 30 IT companies in the Silicon Valley and Boston. Not all are coming to India. A few have operations in other states. But more than 14 have expressed keenness to explore investment possibilities in this state,” Das said.

Some of the companies will come to finalise MoUs with local partners.

Prachanda warns media against criticising Maoists

PRACHANDA-MEDIA (INTERNATIONAL)
Created on : 05/31/2008 14:43 (PRI)
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Kathmandu, May 31 (PTI) Maoist chairman Prachanda, expected to lead the next government in Nepal, has warned the media against critising his party, saying that “we will no longer tolerate criticism as we have already been elected by the people.” Addressing a rally to celebrate the declaration of republic in Kathmandu Prachanda said his CPN-Maoist will not tolerate further criticism by the media and warned of serious consequences if it continued to criticise the party.

Targeting the Kantipur publication that brings out the largest circulated dailies Kantipur and The Kathmandu Post, the former rebel leader said, “You journalists did well to continuously criticise the Maoists before the constituent assembly polls, otherwise the election would not have taken place at all.” “Now we will no longer tolerate criticism as we have already been elected by the people,” he said, adding that the other newspapers criticising the Maoist will also meet the same fate.

The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) has flayed Prachanda’s statement describing it as remarks directed against the freedom of the press.

“This has raised suspicion in the Maoists’ commitment towards a free press,” FNJ president Dharmendra Jha said in a statement.

FNJ also asked the Maoists to demonstrate their commitment to a free press in the country by making their party’s policy towards press freedom public.

The Maoists have emerged as the largest party in the 601-member constituent assembly with no one getting clear majority. The deadlock among the political parties has caused delay in the formation of the coalition government. PTI SBP HJ RBS HJ 05311450 DEL

[Photo source: http://indonapoletano.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/prachanda.jpg]

UN to launch probe in Kailali Killings

United Nations, May 31 (PTI) The UN will launch a probe into the killing of three people by Nepalese police after protesters threw stones at a government building in protest against the alleged beating of a local journalist by Maoists. Announcing the inquiry, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights-Nepal (OHCHR-Nepal) said it was very concerned about the shooting, which took place in Kailali district of Nepal on Wednesday. The office said that one person was fatally shot in the head, another was shot in the neck and chest and the third in the abdomen as the police tried to control a crowd that had been throwing rocks and stones at the district administration office in Kailali. “According to international standards, law enforcement officials may only use firearms in dispersing a violent assembly to protect themselves or others against an imminent threat of death or serious injury and only when less extreme means are insufficient to achieve this objective,” OHCHR said. “Intentional lethal use of firearms is permitted only when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life,” it said, urging the police to begin their own independent inquiry. Wednesday’s killings occurred a day after a Nepalese journalist was beaten by a group that included Maoist cadres, apparently because he had written an article critical of the party’s activities, the UN said. The UN human rights office said it was concerned that although the beating occurred inside the compound at the district administration office and in the presence of both the chief district officer and superintendent of the police, authorities failed to arrest those responsible. [PTI]

Nepal parties wary of Prachanda’s demand for top posts

NEPAL-MAOISTS (INTERNATIONAL)
Created on : 05/31/2008 14:20 (PRI)
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Kathmandu, May 31 (PTI) Leaders of a prominent students union, affiliated with Nepali Congress, have warned of a new “dictatorship” emerging in the country after Maoists claimed both the posts of president as well as the prime minister.

“We should be alert not to let another autocrat be born after toppling Gyanendra,” said Gajendra Karki, General Secretary of Nepal Students Union.

The warning comes amid threat by Maoists, who emerged as the largest party in the landmark Constituent Assembly polls last month, that they would launch another agitation if both the posts are not given to them.

Prachanda, during a party rally yesterday, threatened to establish a communist republic through October Revolution if other parties do not allow them to form a government.

Both Nepali Congress, which leads the interim government, and Communist Party of Nepal-UML want the Maoists to leave one of the two top posts for other coalition partners.

Their leaders have slammed Prachanda’s statement saying that the Maoists’ claim on top positions in the new republican set up was an outcome of authoritarian attitude.

“Did people vote for them for establishing totalitarian rule? Nepali Congress vice president Ramchandra Poudyal told The Kathmandu Post.

“It is ridiculous that a party, just because it is the largest party, wants to get everything and impose its arbitrary rule on the country sidelining all others,” said Bharat Mohan Adhikari, CPN-UML leader.

Krishna Parajuli, general secretary of Tarun Dal, a youth wing of Nepali Congress, has claimed that the palace used to support the Maoist movement but Prime Minister Koirala brought the Maoists into the mainstream to counter the monarchy. PTI SBP KKE 05311426 DEL
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UN to open probe into killing of 3 Nepalese in police firing

NEPAL-UN (INTERNATIONAL)
Created on : 05/31/2008 09:40 AM (PRI)

‘We will not quit till we win’ – Bimal Gurung

The legend on the plaque resting on the small table says it all, “I will not quit until the battle is won”. And that is how the man who has promised to give his people Gorkhaland by 2010 describes his resolve. Meet Mr Bimal Gurung, chairman of the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJMM) as he speaks to SUDIPTA CHANDA, sitting in his tiny party office at Patlebas near the Takvar Tea Estate, Darjeeling.

You have promised to bring Gorkhaland about by 2010. How do you plan to do that?

We have a strategy in place, but strategies are not divulged. So, I shall not tell you how but rest assured, fetch it we will.

The Chief Minister’s refusal to concede Gorkhaland to a GJMM delegation recently must have caused a setback to your plans.

Not at all, the fun begins now. It (the state government) will try not to give in to our demand and we are determined to get it. It is inevitable that the statehood movement will intensify now and the state government will have to know how to handle it.

What can the state government do to make you drop the statehood demand?

Gorkhaland is our one-point demand. It is what we exist for. For us, it is the last battle. We shall not trade the demand against sops or otherwise.

What will your prime objective be, if Gorkhaland is achieved? Can you deliver?

There are certain priority sectors, for instance tourism, which is the mainstay of the hill economy. Besides, infrastructure, education, road and the traffic system are some of the other issues that have remained neglected for long and need immediate attention. But water is my top priority. No Darjeeling hill resident, irrespective of political affiliation, or any visitor should suffer water scarcity as is happening now. The issue has to be addressed in real earnest.

CM’s proposal fails to impress

DARJEELING, May 30: Chief Minister Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee’s proposal to the Centre today to hold back the Sixth Schedule Bill failed to impress the political parties in the Darjeeling hills. “The special status bill has already been rejected by the people. The CM should now negotiate talks for Gorkhaland with the Prime Minister,” said Mr Roshan Giri, general secretary of the GJMM.

“The CPRM is not in favour of the Bill in any form. If the CM is truly concerned about the hills he should work for the formation of Gorkhaland with Terai and Dooars,” stated the CPRM, general-secretary Mr RB Rai. Efforts to introduce the Bill in the Monsoon Session of the Parliament met with strong resistance in the hills and the GJMM in particular. It took a 13-day hunger strike by the GJMM in all the three hill subdivisions including Siliguri, to stall it from being imposed.

Gorkhaland issue: GJM seeks talks

Kolkata: As West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has reportedly requested the Centre to put on hold the bills pertaining to granting of Sixth Schedule status to the Darjeeling Hills he should “now come round to the demand for the creation of a new State comprising the hills and certain areas contiguous to it in West Bengal,” the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha leadership said on Friday.

“We ask the Chief Minister to now request the Prime Minister to arrange for tripartite talks on the statehood issue,” GJM general secretary Roshan Giri said over phone from Darjeeling.

Mr. Bhattacharjee met the Union Home Minister in Delhi earlier in the day and reportedly asked him not to go ahead now with the bills related to Sixth Schedule status for the hills in view of the developments in Darjeeling. They discussed the situation in the region.